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Villages of Bhutan:The Hidden Jewel

Apart from all the major well-known places, there are some hidden jewels of nature. The Remote villages of Bhutan which are off the beaten path is one good example. These are  Bhutan Villages which are still practicing their age-old traditions and their old ways of living. These remote and off beaten Bhutan villages are not discovered by many people. Explore Bhutan Villages and Bhutan Village life . Visit Bhutan Phallus Village, Sopsokha village ,  Ura Valley Bhutan, Talo Village, Wochu Village and enjoy organic Bhutan village food. Experience being local.

Rural Life of Bhutan

 

 While in Bhutan you must try out a few of Bhutan villages so as to penetrate through our customs, old traditions and rich heritage.

  1. Sopsokha Village at Punakha

Bhutan Phallus Village - Sopsokha Punakha

 

 

Sopsokha is a tiny Bhutan village located in the midst of a paddy field. It is believed that  Lam Drukpa Kinley the divine madman was followed by demoness till Sopsokha village. It is here where he has subdued the evil spirits.He used the phallus as a medium to subdue and discipline the malevolent Spirits. And to celebrate the victory , on the exact spot Chimi Lhakhang was constructed later on by Lama Ngawang Chogyal.

So maybe that’s why you may see the phallus painting at almost all the houses of Sopsokha Village Bhutan.

2. Talo Village at Punakha

Talo Village in Punakha Bhutan

 

Talo is a beautiful village located on the ridge of Punakha Valley. You can check out the blog on Talo Village here.

3. Wochu Village At Paro

Wochu Village is also known as the Bhutan Village of Blacksmith. 

Wochu Village Paro

Wochu village Paro

It is about 5Km walk from the Paro town. The walk through Wochu valley is soul uplifting. The stunning landscapes, legendary ancient house and fortresses, simple and smiling people makes a place worth to visit.

Villages of Bhutan
Wochu Village Paro

 The blacksmiths here design and make traditional knives, swords, daggers and other metal products that are customized

This village also consists of the country’s only international airport. The best time to visit Paro Wochu village is in summer where the green covered fields can be seen. This village is situated in Lungnyi which is also known for the Lungnyi gewog cloth.

 

Dont forget to visit Nagtsang, the old manor house

Old Manor House at Wochu Village

The village grows asparagus, green chilies & potatoes 

Od Lady at Wochu Village

You will also see Marijuana plant growing abundantly there. Note that the marijuana is not yet legalized in Bhutan.

Marijuana Plant growing wildly in Paro Wochu village
Marijuana Plant growing wildly in Paro Wochu village

The women at work at Wochu Village

Village life in Bhutan

4. Rinchengang Village at Wangduephodrang

Rinchengang village in Bhutan

Rinchengang is a small clustered Bhutan village located opposite Wangduephodrang Dzong and is famous for its proficiency in traditional means of stone stonework. It is about 20 minutes’ walk uphill with great sight of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, valley and the river.

5. Phobjikha /Gangtey at Wangduephodrang

 

Horses in Phobjikha valley Bhutan

 

Located at an elevation of 3000 meters, Gangtey Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan. It is the roosting ground for Black Necked Cranes that migrate from Tibet during winters. It is popular for its scenic splendor and cultural uniqueness. 

The 17th Century Gangtey Goenpa monastery , situated on a hilltop overlooking the scenic Gangtey village, is the home of Gangtey Trulku, a renowned Buddhist master.

6.Merak & Sakteng Village at Trashigang

 

Merak and Sakten are one the most remote and exotic villages in Bhutan. They are called the twin jewel of the Eastern Bhutan.

The semi-nomadic people here are fond of archery. The women here love singing folk songs.Visiting Merak and Sakteng will give you an insight to the nomadic way of life.

Journey into the hidden valleys of Merak and Sakteng and discover the exquisite eastern wilderness of Bhutan.

 

7. Tang Village at Bumthang

 

Tang Valley in Bumthang Bhutan
Tang Valley

 

It is one of the four valleys of Bumthang. You need to drive about 10Km towards west east until you pass the Dechenpelrithang Sheep Farm to an off beaten path that leads to North.

The drive through this road takes you to a different time; You will come across a burning lake,occasionally you will see the farmers grazing the cattle’s, horses and along the way you will come across other small villages ; Jamzhong & Mesethang Village, where you can stop  for a picnic lunch and enjoy the Arcadian scene of the valley .

Please do not forget to stop at Tang Rimochen Lhakhang standing magnificently behind the Tiger Stripped Cliff. The place has a serene energy.

Tang is one of the remotest valleys of Bumthang. Owing to its high elevation, not much of Agricultural activity takes place. People here mainly raise sheep and yaks and the view of the ranch will leave you in awe. Tang valley also houses the famous privately owned heritage house.

Village Life in Bhutan
Bhutan Village life

 

8) Ura Valley of Bhutan , Bumthang

Ura valley Bhutan

 

Visiting Ura Valley of Bhutan, is like journeying back in Time . It has  a blend of legend and history

Ura valley speaks of time when every culture remained confined by climate, geography and ignorance; a time when our people retained their ancient beliefs in sanctity of natural events and objects; a time when demi gods and demons visited the human dwellings and impregnated the women, the result being the birth of individuals of superhuman qualities.The valley of Ura still reverberate with the legend as one.

In the heart of the Ura Valley lies the Ura village , nestled at an elevation of 3,100 meters and consists of about 50 clustered houses in a traditional setting . It is unfabricated by modernization. The whole layout gives you a feel of the medieval period. The Ura valley is one and half hour drive from Bumthang Town.

 Strolling around the Ura village will give you the glimpse of Bhutan’s culture and village life. So in your visit to Bumthang you can include the visit to Ura Valley.

 

9) Dhur At Bumthang

 

Dogs on top of mountain enjoying sun rise and clouds
The View of Dhur Valley From Mountain Top

 

Dhur, a beautiful Bhutan village situated at a distance of 50 km from Chamkhar is the best place to see traditions and culture. Dhur is also very much popular for its trekking trail, commonly known as Dhur Tsachu which is also a home for hot spring. Local Dhur Tshechu festival is the key highlight of this village which is popular among many people and occurs during the winter season. Covered with alpine forests this village is a home for many animals like yaks, sheep and many mountain peaks covered with snow.

 

10)Khoma At Lhuntse

Khomo village in Lhuentshe

 

Khoma village, famous for giving the glimpse of Bhutan’s textile industry is generally at the top of the tourist’s bucket list. This Bhutan village comes under the  Lhuentse district. It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Lhuentse  to Khoma . The route to Khoma has some breathtaking views which snatch away the spectator’s attention in a short period. The village’s traditional method of weaving handlooms is a treat for many tourists. They are famous for producing a high quality textile known as Kishuthara. You can also experience good Bhutan village life at Khoma.

 

11.Trong Village at Zhemgang

 

Trong village in Zhemgang
Trong Village at Zhemgang

 

The Trong Heritage Village is an array of 27 traditional stone masonry houses clustered neatly on a small hillock, overlooking the imposing Zhemgang dzong. The actual origin of the village and vintage traditional houses is still unknown.  But as per the elders of the village, it must have been there for more than hundreds of years

Built without a proper foundation atop rocks, this feature of houses in Trong village is Earthquake resistant which intrigues experts about this Bhutan Village.

Street lamps, underground cable ducts, drainage and concrete footpaths among others have also been developed over the years to support the community living in the village but its aesthetic & originality is well preserved.

 

12. Radhi Village At Trashigang

 

 

It is located some 30 km east of Trashigang Dzongkhag on a north facing slope. It falls under Chirpine & broadleaf forest belt . The village has around 200 households. 

It is famous for its rice and Radhi-Buray textiles. Most of the people here make their living from fine raw silk or Bura textiles . They use traditional back-strap loom and traditional dyes to produce textile. As a result, Radhi village produces some of the most authentic high quality raw silk textiles.

 

13.Laya, At Gasa

 

 

Let your adventurous spirit take you to the valley of Laya. Situated at an altitude of 3800 m, this village will mesmerize you with their unique culture.

It is amazing how a small pocket of ethnic groups survived for so long in the northern part of the country. Anyone on the Snow Leopard trek or the grand Snowman Trek will converge through Laya. To experience the maximum cultural richness, time your trip during Royal Highland Festival.

Women of this region have facial features that are distinct from those of other women in Bhutan, and their great love for turquoise jewelry, colorful clothing , and their conical bamboo hats immediately set them apart in any crowd.

 

14.Lingzhi at Gasa

 

Laya village Bhutan

 

Lingzhi  is one of the high altitude Gewog in Thimphu Dzongkhag. It is  located at an altitude of  about 3280-5960 meters above sea level.

The Village is 92 km away from Thimphu with the road connection(72 km with black top from Thimphu to Drugyel and 20 km feeder road from Drugyel to Shana)  . It is 4 days walk from the road end point (Paro Shana).

It has 94 households and population of 490 in total. Almost all the people depends on mobile livestock with specific grazing time during summer and winter. Geographical topography of the Gewog is not suitable for any other Agricultural and developmental activities, as it’s located in the mountainous region.  

 

 

 

TaggedBhutan Cultural TourLayaLayapLingzhiMerak & SaktengNomads of BhutanParoPhobjikha valleyRinchegang VillageRural Life in Bhutan

Google Reviews

Jenny ChuaJenny Chua
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

In Nov 24, we had the privilege of exploring Bhutan with the guidance of an exceptional tour guide, Kinlay Dorji & Jigme Tshering from Bhutan Best Inbound Tour agency and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience. From the moment we arrived, they ensured every detail of our trip was perfectly planned and executed, making it truly stress-free and enjoyable. Their deep knowledge of Bhutan’s history, culture, and traditions was remarkable, and they shared stories and insights that brought the country’s rich heritage to life. Whether we were visiting iconic landmarks like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or strolling through serene villages, their passion for Bhutan was evident and contagious. What truly stood out was their dedication to providing personalized service. They were always attentive to our needs, ensuring we were comfortable, well-fed, and immersed in the beauty of Bhutan. Their warm hospitality, patience, and ability to adapt to our preferences made the journey unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan, I cannot recommend this tour guide enough. They truly go above and beyond to ensure you experience the heart and soul of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. An absolute five-star experience!

Reviewed on: 1/14/2025

Terri KimTerri Kim
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

Our first time in Bhutan couldn’t have been as amazing & memorable as it was without the wonderful team behind Bhutan Best Inbound Tour who were with us every step of the way. We decided (very last minute) to go to Bhutan with only weeks to spare. I decided to go with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour based on online reviews, responsiveness (via WhatsApp), and reasonable pricing. Because our trip was short (5 days/4 nights) and we already rushed to book our flights/accommodations, we were mainly looking for a dedicated tour guide/driver to explore Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Deki, who planned our itinerary, was responsive and accommodating to all my inquiries and requests. She answered my questions, and put my mind at ease when it came to our visas. She was lovely to work with, and made us feel prepared before our trip. But what she couldn’t have prepared us for was how amazing Bhutan would be and how much we would love our trip. We arrived at Paro International Airport early in the morning, and were greeted outside with white scarves by our guide and our driver who were patiently waiting for us. Our guide, Phub, was fantastic. Not only was he like a walking encyclopedia about his country, the culture, and Buddhism, he was personable and so funny. He was also quite the photographer, capturing the best angles and even directing us on how to pose. Phub was also very flexible with our daily schedule, and accommodating to our requests, which we appreciated immensely. He also shared tips & tricks that only locals would be privy to, which made this trip much more intimate and fulfilling than if we decided to go without a tour guide. I HIGHLY recommend a tour guide if you are thinking of going to Bhutan for the first time. We had two drivers, both very humble and excellent drivers. I felt very safe in the car despite impatient drivers, the occasional cow and dog, and landslides. On our day trip to Punakha from Thimphu, a landslide extended our trip by an hour each way, but our driver was patient and made sure we were comfortable. The breathtaking views (and company) made the delays worth it. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful drivers who prioritized our safety. From the kindness of the people to the delicious food, from the beautiful weather to the rich culture, and of course, Tiger’s Nest (which left us breathless, both figuratively and literally), Bhutan is truly a special country that left us with so many beautiful memories. We plan to visit Bhutan again, and when we do, we can’t wait to work with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for all our needs. If you’re looking for a tour guide, I highly recommend reaching out to Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for a seamless experience

Reviewed on: 12/24/2024

Suresh KaruSuresh Karu
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

I had an amazing 7 nights 8 day trip to Bhutan, Phub my guide and driver Nima made it a memorable vacation. They were professional , kind and always helpful , also their local knowledge made it an experience unforgettable to me. The hotels they choose had excellent service, the cook made my favourite dish Idli. The home stay hostess was always smiling and kind. They also had the best price for the tour package.If I ever return to Bhutan I would choose them again Hands down .

Reviewed on: 9/30/2024

Charles VrtisCharles Vrtis
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

Everything about my experience in Bhutan was outstanding from start to finish! It is very serene, stunningly beautiful, and its people are exceptionally kind and welcoming! Of course, had I not chosen the right tour operator, I might have left with different feelings. Fortunately, I selected Bhutan Best Inbound Tour. From the start, my experience with them was smooth and seamless. Deki, my contact in arranging the logistics, could not have been more responsive and helpful. She made everything so easy, including arranging for a visa. And, I cannot say enough good things about my guide and driver. They really made my experience in Bhutan so wonderfully memorable. I felt completely comfortable and safe with the driver, Jigme. Not only that, he always had a smile on his face. My guide, Tenzin (“Tax”] Loday was great. He was prompt, reliable, and very engaging. He is now my Bhutanese brother! His love for his country shows, and his clear and helpful explanations about its history and sites could not have been better. Thank you Bhutan Inbound Tour!

Reviewed on: 3/30/2024

Brian NYCBrian NYC
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

Huge thanks to Bhutan Best Inbound Tours for an amazing experience in magical Bhutan! My guide Phub is a true expert who taught me so much about the history and culture of Bhutan, and he took perfect care of me each and every place we visited. Our driver Lobzang got us to all of our destinations safely and on time, and they made a great team, always keeping me smiling and in awe of the beauty of bucket list Bhutan. Everything was smooth from start to finish, the hotels were all excellent and comfortable, and I highly recommend Bhutan Inbound and my friends Phub and Lobzang to anyone planning a trip to stunning Bhutan!

Reviewed on: 10/14/2023

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